For track and field fans, Mondo Duplantis is a name that electrifies the air like a perfectly executed pole vault. At just 25, the Swedish-American phenom has cemented his status as the greatest pole vaulter of all time, soaring over bars that once seemed untouchable. With 11 world records under his belt from February 2020 to February 2025, including his latest jaw-dropping 6.27m leap at the All-Star Perche meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, Duplantis has redefined what’s possible in the sport. But how does a kid who started vaulting in his backyard handle the spotlight that comes with being a global icon?

In a recent interview with Olympics.com, he got candid about the relentless pressure to keep breaking records—a burden he likens to the weight carried by sprint legend Usain Bolt. “Pressure is a privilege,” he declared, embracing the expectations with a grin. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, by 21, he had already shattered the world record and clinched Olympic gold in Tokyo 2021.

Now, with 11 world records in five years, he’s not just chasing history—he’s making it, one gravity-defying jump at a time. Yet, he can stay grounded amid the hype that echoes Bolt, who dominated sprinting with a mix of swagger and humility. So, what does Duplantis say about living under the same kind of microscope that followed the Jamaican superstar?

The pressure to perform is unrelenting. “I understand that, and I get that, and I kind of put it on myself in a way, too, because I’ve been fortunate enough to break the world record quite a few times the past few years,” he said. He’s grown “used” to the expectation, viewing it as a byproduct of his dominance. “That just comes with the territory. It comes with what I’ve been able to do. I think it’s a good thing. It’s a good and luxurious problem to have, so I really shouldn’t be complaining too much about it.”

For Duplantis, the weight of expectation isn’t a burden—it’s a badge of honor. But how does he keep his cool when the world demands a miracle every meet? What sets Duplantis apart is his realism, a trait that keeps him tethered to earth even as he soars to new heights. “I understand pole vaulting and I understand that I am not going to be able to break the world record every meet,” he said.

He’s meticulous, assessing variables like the setup, weather, and his physical condition to gauge when a record is within reach. “I know the times when I have a good chance, or I have a chance at least, as far as the setup, the weather, how I feel, my body, and whatnot,” he explained. This calculated approach mirrors Bolt’s ability to read a race and know when to unleash his full power.

For Duplantis, it’s about picking his moments, not chasing records blindly. So, how does this mindset shape his legacy? As the 2025 season unfolds, Duplantis shows no signs of slowing down. For fans, it’s a thrilling ride, watching a once-in-a-generation talent embrace the pressure and soar. “I really shouldn’t be complaining too much about it,” he said, and we couldn’t agree more. So, what’s next for the man who’s made the impossible look easy?

What’s beyond pole vaulting for Mondo

Mondo Duplantis, the 25-year-old pole vault king, is more than just an Olympic champion. As he eyes the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026, he’s pumped for Sweden’s skiing legacy too, citing icons like Ingemar Stenmark. “All of the skiing events, especially, are super hyped when it comes to the Swedes,” he said. Off the runway, he’s a style star, rocking a gold-and-blue blazer at the Laureus Awards to represent Sweden.

 “[Fashion] it’s just a great way to express yourself,” he said. But what else fuels this track and field phenom’s fire? Music is Duplantis’ escape, a creative outlet that keeps him grounded amid the pressure of global stardom. His debut single, Bop, hit Sweden’s top 15, a “pretty cool” milestone for a hobby he’s long nurtured.

“I use it as a way of therapy,” he said, noting how it helped him cope during the stressful Paris 2024 Olympics. With more songs in the works after a Kygo video cameo with fiancée Desire Inglander, Duplantis is crafting a legacy beyond pole vaulting. For fans, it’s electrifying to watch him chase passions as fiercely as records. So, what’s next for Mondo’s multifaceted rise?